We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alina Lavrova a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alina, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Let’s be clear – I haven’t conquered the impostor syndrome. I’ve learned to coexist with it, to live with it without constant struggle and resistance. It’s a part of me, and denying its existence would be foolish. So, what is the impostor syndrome? Perhaps you think it’s the fear of failure or disappointment. However, here’s the rather unpleasant truth – it’s the fear of success, the fear of victory, the fear of an open horizon and new possibilities.
To “not succeed” doesn’t require much effort; we’ve all trodden that path regularly in our lives. But to choose a combination of decisions that lead to success requires effort, a need to change something in the familiar routine of life. And here’s the paradox – any success we achieve, whether it’s public recognition, awards, or financial gain, is always something new and non-routine. Even positive emotional jolts can be stressful for our psyche. So, the impostor syndrome convinces us that there’s no need to deviate from the familiar path. Why change something? We’ve been living just fine. What if it works out? We’ll have to work! We’ll have to live differently! This is the impostor syndrome – a defense mechanism, a “hyper-care” from the psyche, disguised as concern, blaming everyone around – parents, surroundings, the world.
When I began to understand this, I simply accepted the inevitable resistance from my psyche. I embraced it and continued moving forward. Sometimes I lost, sometimes I won, but I kept going. There were moments when it was incredibly challenging, and I felt stuck. In those times, I give myself plenty of space to rest and engage in predictable activities where success is guaranteed, even if it’s just re-reading a book or watching a movie. This helps me get used to the idea that positive results are not frightening, stressful, but rather pleasant and comfortable.
But there are other situations too. Sometimes I find myself in situations where silence is impossible, and the fear of success or any other fear takes a back seat. I want to share one such situation. A few months ago, a girl with whom I had worked for some time wrote to me. She is from a neighboring country with which my country began a conflict. She said she wanted to capture her special state – her struggle with breast cancer. I was shocked! How insignificant we, as individuals, are in the face of real disasters. How entire nations immerse themselves in imaginary problems, losing sight of the lives of ordinary people like us. I couldn’t ignore it. The fear of speaking out, the fear of being noticed, took a back seat, and we began preparations. The fear of being UNNOTICED wins.
Her idea was to depict the journey from denial and anger to self-acceptance through the play of light and color. We chose a location – an open-air museum, where incredible installations by various artists already carried meaning. Our images shifted from the darkest, aggressive, “prickly” ones to glowing and pure, bright and soaring. I will show this through photographs. We went through an incredible journey, and I believe we succeeded in conveying the main message – inside each of us is our own life, with victories, achievements, sorrows, and joys. There’s no need to silence your voice, your soul, to choke yourself because of fears, because of global problems where you had been put in by force. That project was challenging, but we worked together to help each other fight our own demons. We were together, despite global situation, in front of real disaster.
We are all equal to some extent in the face of global issues. And if your personal “impostor” defeats you, how will you tell the world about the important things? How will you continue to live, knowing that you didn’t take a step towards the world? But you ARE the part of it! What if the opinion with which you can’t live wins? People around you also have their “impostors” inside and often choose to remain silent. But is that the world you want to live in? It seems to me we need to be more honest with ourselves. Take care of yourself when it’s tough, praise yourself when things don’t work out, defend yourself when you sense danger. Otherwise, the world will change in a way where you may not find a place. Through my creativity, I communicate with the world, express my opinion, declare myself. And it truly is frightening! Sometimes it sends shivers down my spine! Befriend your impostor. Life is too short to spend it on other people’s desires and decisions. Live your life; you never know what lies ahead. Speak up if you have something to say. Your inner “impostor” can become a kind of filter, highlighting the most painful spots. In that project, I expressed my fear of the future and my fear of global changes. I lived through many emotions with that girl, and I can openly say – there is nothing more valuable than life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a photographer who has traversed the path from all-consuming passion and complete immersion in my craft to emptiness, destruction, exhaustion, and despair. And I rose again. I know what it’s like to start from scratch and go against the closest ones. I know how to acknowledge my mistakes, extract experience from them, and use it as my superpower in the future. Through my creativity, I aim to showcase the magic I see with my own eyes and feel on my skin. Photography, for me, is the most intimate thing I can share with the world. It’s always absolute honesty and the “nakedness of the soul.”
Straying in this direction eclipses the fear of silence and the impossibility of not expressing oneself. Such is the bliss and curse of a creative soul who once accidentally tasted the sweet flavor of self-realization. But that’s lyrical! Emotions and feelings. Let the facts speak about me in a more familiar model:
my name is Alina, Im a photographer, born in 1991 in Russia, immersed in the creative. My fascination with art began in my early years, and I actively developed in this field, striving for perfection. My creative journey included several significant stages:
In 2006-2007, I am studied at Information Technology Liceum, where took the “Art Design” course – my first step into the world of art and design.
In 2007, I enrolled in the Academy of Photo and completed the “Basic Course: From Beginning to Mastership,” providing her with strong foundations in photography.
In 2008, I continued my education, attending the “Profi 1” courses by renowned photographer Pavel Smirnov in Russia
In 2008-2009, I continuing studies at the Foundation Course at the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow.
In 2009, I began pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with honors in “Contemporary Photographic Practice” at the University for the Creative Arts.
Currently, I am regularly attending various master classes, focusing on equine photography, my favorite direction. Over the years, my art has developed a recognizable style, and my works have been showcased in exhibitions and published in various publications:
In 2010, I participated in the exhibition “He|She” at Visions Fine Art Gallery in Moscow.
In 2010, my works were also featured in the “Breaking Point” exhibition and the “Wrap” series in Gillingham, UK.
In 2011, I took part in an international exhibition on Hainan Island, China, gaining international recognition.
My works have been published in magazines like “RABBIT” (2012) and “PRO Interier” (2012).
In the same year, I became the Art Editor at the Publishing House “AP Avtopanorama,” contributing to monthly car magazines and quarterly publications.
In 2013, I was awarded first place in the category “Photography” at the “Russian Arts Week,” receiving recognition for my work titled “Red.” I also earned second place in photo art from the “Association of Arts of the Peoples of the World.” In 2014, my participation in the “Palazzo Priuli Fon Venice” exhibition was recognized with a certificate.
I continue to evolve as a photographer, participating in contests and receiving exhibition awards in 2023. Notably, my works have been displayed at THE PRAXIS gallery in Minneapolis, USA, in exhibitions like “THE FOUND OBJECT,” “THE STREETS,” and “ORDER ≠ DISORDER.”
As of 2023, several articles and interviews have been released, contributing to my recognition in various media outlets:
popcake.tv (Interview)
Canvas Rebel (Online Interview)
STYLE CRUZE (Cover)
Federal Press (Article)
Izvestia (article)
Cosmopolitan (article for Drunk Elephant brand)
Industrie (Cover)
Apart from my exhibition activities, I am collaborating with interesting and talented individuals, including bloggers, jewelry and clothing designers, creating a buzz on social media. My creativity continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, making my way through the realm of contemporary art and photography.
My life story is filled with trials and tough decisions. Born in 1991 in Moscow, Russia, into a creative family, my mother owned several prominent art galleries and Murano glass boutiques. My father, a businessman, introduced me the world of photography, supporting my passion. From the beginning, I was aspired to the art of photography. However, my choice was met with ambivalence by my parents, and I had to work diligently to prove that this art form was my true calling.
In 2009, a challenging period unfolded in my life – my parents’ divorce, family crises, and financial difficulties. Even in these tough moments, I did not abandon my passion for photography, although temporarily had to engage in a completely different field to support myself. In those years, photography lost its value in Russia, and people were coping with the crisis as best they could.
Losing my mother in 2018, I realized that time was too precious to be wasted on unrealized dreams and decisively began to change my life. The global pandemic and subsequent political difficulties in my homeland only strengthened my determination to pursue the dream. My love for travel and the thirst for new experiences became the inspiration and foundation for a new stage in my life. I embarked on a long journey, which became a dear one to myself, helping me find inner peace and a source of creative energy.
Currently I am away from home, but believe that sooner or later, I will be able to return to my country and engage in the art I loves so passionately. My story is one of willpower, dedication, and the search for meaning in creativity and travel.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my perspective, there’s nothing more crucial than being honest with oneself. People often say you should treat others as you want to be treated. Nonsense! It’s utter rubbish and naivety! People are all different, and not everyone shares even the simplest notions with you. What might be good for one could be utterly destructive for you, even if the person had no ill intentions. So, don’t expend your energy – be honest with yourself, and treat yourself the way you’d want others to treat you.
Desiring fame and recognition? Applaud yourself! Praise even the smallest achievements! Showcase them! Announce yourself to the world! Craving love and care? Care for yourself – rest when needed, delight in even the smallest joys, love yourself with all your heart. I don’t know how the world operates, but it “reads” your state, and people around start looking at you through the lens of your own manifestations.
Secondly, refrain from comparing yourself to others in a derogatory manner. You never know the journey someone has taken or what led them to the result you see. There’s a wise saying – “don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Does it demotivate you? Compare yourself for inspiration, for gaining ideas. Without appropriating someone else’s, let it pass through you – that’s how you’ll arrive at something unique and uniquely yours!
Thirdly, you don’t have to be the absolute best. The race for ideals is exhausting, and without an end, it overshadows the pleasure of the journey. Know that you are already doing a lot, and that’s enough to love and acknowledge yourself. Your creativity is always unique, even if not widely known yet. Your path may vary – sometimes successful, sometimes not so much. But it’s yours, and its value is immeasurable. You’ll surely discover what ignites the spark within you – this event knows no boundaries, age, or deadlines. You’ll undoubtedly feel it and experience a thrill.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always on the lookout for individuals to collaborate on projects with! Whether you have an idea you’re unsure how to bring to life, possess experiences you wish to share, or simply want to perceive yourself differently – I would be delighted to participate! With reverence, I listen to people’s stories, and in my mind, ideas are born that can unfold these emotions. I am not driven by greed or avarice; I immerse myself entirely in a project and invite you to join a new narrative together.
Presently, I am seeking individuals whose stories may span diverse realms but who aren’t afraid to relive them. I aim to create a series of portraits where beyond the obvious (appearance, surroundings), one can sense the exact emotion residing in the heart of each person. I want to peer beyond the visible, gaze into the eyes of life. This will be part of my personal project and the outcome of the desire to communicate with the world through photography.
I am also open to commercial proposals of any nature. This aspect of creativity wasn’t immediately embraced by my heart, and I spent a long time seeking balance. Now, I am ready to work in the direction of advertising brands, individuals, and events. We can always find common ground, even if we speak different dialects. The world is unified and knows no boundaries for communication and interaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alinalavrova.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/one.more.foto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-lavrova-83b09029/ru
Image Credits
Photographer – Alina Lavrova Model – Oleksandra Linartovich MUA – Kirill Tarasenko Place – Noah Purifoy Foundation
